A couple of 30-somethings embark on the ultimate roadtrip.

Below is a list of websites and services that connect workers with organizations, many of which provide camping arrangements. This is my personal “note pad” where I add sites that I come across. I decided to share it. I hope it is helpful. Please feel free to leave a comment linking to a site we have not covered. Comments on this page will be moderated.

These companies hire camp hosts directly. The jobs pay you for your hours worked in addition to providing you with a camp site.

American Land and Leisure – view listings
American Land & Leisure has been in the business for 20 years, and currently maintains more campgrounds on Federal lands than any other concessionaire in the United States, with contracts for over 400 National Forest, Pacific Gas & Electric and other private campgrounds from California to West Virginia. The company has set the standard for caring for customers and providing well kept and clean facilities at a fair price.

California Land Management – view listings
CLM Services does business in four western states (California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada) under the names California Land Management and Northwest Land Management. The company currently operates campgrounds and other outdoor recreation facilities for a wide variety of public agencies – including the US Forest Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Inyo County (CA), Washington State Parks, and the Cities of Mountain View, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto (in the San Francisco Bay Area).

Corp of Engineers – view listings
The Army Corps of Engineers is the steward of the lands and waters at Corps water resources projects. Its Natural Resources Management mission is to manage and conserve those natural resources, consistent with the ecosystem management principles, while providing quality public outdoor recreation experiences to serve the needs of present and future generations.

HOODOO – more info
Paid and unpaid positions in the Deschutes(OR), Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie(WA), and Willamette(OR) National Forests.

KOA Work Kamper Program – contact
With 460 KOA locations, possibilities abound. Every year, our KOA Work Kamper program offers hundreds of job opportunities across our network of KOA Kampgrounds. For those who love the RV camping life, it’s simply a win/win opportunity. KOA owners always need seasonal help. And if you are willing to roll up your sleeves, you can make a short-term commitment and earn pay while you stay.

Northwest Park Management – view listings
NPM operates twenty five campgrounds under Special Use Permit with the U.S. Forest Service throughout the Plumas National Forest. The camping season runs from April to October and our employees work from four to six months during this time.

Recreation Resource Management – contact
Recreation Resource Management was founded in 1988 to provide local, state, and federal government with an alternative for managing public recreational facilities. For nearly 15 years, we have partnered with government organizations to provide quality services and environmental stewardship while increasing the net return to government. RRM administers over 175 properties in 12 states for various government bodies. At the peak of the summer season, we have over 700 employees overseen by nearly 50 highly experienced operations managers.

Rocky Mountain Recreation – more info
CA,CO, & NV. Each year we fill many seasonal positions and while most of our available positions are for campground hosts, we also hire customer service officers, interpretive personnel, maintenance supervisors/ personnel, kiosk operators, store operators, landscape personnel, and day use area custodians. Some year-round positions are available, though most employees will work shortly before the Memorial Day holiday through briefly after the Labor Day holiday.

Scenic Canyons Recreational Services – more info
They manage Forest Service-owned facilities under special-use permits from the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, the Boise National Forest and the Montpelier Ranger District in Idaho, and the Logan Ranger District and Dixie National Forest in Utah.

Thousand Trails – view listingsThousand Trails is the largest private system of RV camping and outdoor preserves in America. Our properties are known as preserves because we strive to protect the nature and beauty of the natural environment.

Employers that hire directly. These are paying Jobs that also provide housing. The jobs listed here could be anything from camp hosting to wine steward or even jeep water guide. Many might want you to work at least 40hrs a week.

Adventureland – more info
Altoona, Iowa. Adventureland Park’s Work & Camp Program provides discounted camping in addition to our regular wages for employees that work throughout our park season. During weekend operations – late April to mid May and late August to late September: Work at least one shift/day. During full-time daily operations – mid May to late August: Work 4 1/2 to 7 1/2 hours/day for 5-6 days/week. Pay: $6.50 – $7.00/hour. You may expect to be scheduled up to 32 hours/week. All of positions require you to be on your feet. They include: Rides Operations, Retail Operations, Food Service Operations, and Games Operations.

AGS (Affinity Guest Services Inc.) – more info
Sales positions introducing AGS designed Websites, Guest Services Guide and custom designed marketing materials to campground owners. This is a commission based position. Assignments are given to you. You will be an independent contractor. Individual jobs take about two weeks. You are expected to complete 12-15 assignments per year.

Amazon Warehouse – more info
Locations in Kansas, Kentucky, and Nevada. All hours are paid for. Pay is usually between $9hr and $13/hr. Potential to get up to 60hrs a week during the Christmas peak. Hours over 40 are time and a half. They also pay for your campsite and, depending on the location, utilities. Bonuses and extra goodies may be provided as well as a discount on items ordered off Amazon.com. All three locations get snow and below freezing temps during peak. You are not guaranteed any hours. Although no previous experience is necessary, these are temporary warehouse positions in a fast-paced industrial environment that may be physically challenging. All positions require you to be on your feet most of the shift and require some bending, lifting, stooping and squatting. Some positions require the ability to climb stairs 30% of the time, and all positions require the use of a hand-held scanner. Email: seasonal-camper@amazon.com

Be A Security Guard
The following companies hire RVers to provide guard services at oil fields and construction sites. Your job will be to sit at a gated compound and check vehicles in and out. Pay is usually around $100/day. Normally, you have to provide a 24/7 presence. A generator is commonly provided. Sites last at least 30 days and can go much longer. You will most likely be hired as an independent contractor and will receive a 1099.Time KeepersGate Guard Services, L.P.

Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts – view listings
The concessionaire at Yellowstone and Sequoia National Parks. Opportunities in hospitality, food service, gaming or the other exciting industries. Campsites are not always provided.

Dollywood – more infoLocated in Pigeon Forge, TN. Work Campers can begin as early as March. peak season is generally June, July and August. Campsites are not provided.

Hang Christmas Decorations – more info
Every year, workers are needed to hang decorations in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area. This is a seasonal job, from mid October – January. Hourly pay of $7-12 and overtime after 40hrs. This is a physically demanding job. You will climb ladders, sit in a cherry picker, and possibly walk on roofs. Campsites are not provided, but there are campgrounds close by that charge very reasonable rates. Phone: 865-769-0039

Sugar Beet Harvest – more info
Eastern Montana. RV/Campers should arrive to assigned area the last week of September. Potential to make $1000/week. Positions require workers to be on their feet the duration of the shift. Shifts run 7 days a week in 12 hour shifts, weather permitting. All positions are classified as light industrial. It is very noisy, dusty, and cold. Temps will be in the 30″s and 40″s with a strong possibility of snow.
The Sugar Beet Harvest ground operation is generally comprised of three main roles:
Helper and Sample Taker: Collects beet samples and assists Pile Operator in cleaning. Helper will also communicate with drivers to ensure safe and accurate unloading of trucks.
Pile Operator: Maneuvers pile control switches, orchestrates repair work and supervises and assists in the clean up of daily operations.
Skidsteer Operator: Operates skidsteer. Must be able to lift 50lbs.

Xanterra – view listings
Seasonal work in National Parks, State Parks, and resorts.

Bureau of Land Management – view listings
BLM volunteers enjoy work that matches their interests and schedules. Some volunteers serve part-time and others enjoy a seasonal or full-time position. 261 million acres- are managed by the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM), making the BLM manager of the nation’s largest land trust. The public lands administered by the BLM range from saguaro cactus desert to Douglas fir tundra. Overall, these lands, located primarily in the Western part of the United States, comprise nearly one-eighth of our nation’s land area. The BLM’s mission is to help sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of these public lands so they can be used and enjoyed by both present and future generations.

Grow Food – view listings
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a cultural exchange. We gather a list of sustainable farms, projects, and organizations that invite volunteers to help out. People interested in experiencing a sustainable lifestyle use our list to make contact with hosts and setup visits. Hosts and volunteers work out the details of their own arrangements.

National Park Service – view listings
Most people know that the National Park Service cares for national parks, a network of nearly 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites across the nation. The treasures in this system – the first of its kind in the world –have been set aside by the American people to preserve, protect, and share, the legacies of this land.

Passport in Time – view listings
Passport in Time (PIT) is a volunteer archaeology and historic preservation program of the USDA Forest Service (FS). PIT volunteers work with professional FS archaeologists and historians on national forests throughout the U.S. on such diverse activities as archaeological survey and excavation, rock art restoration, survey, archival research, historic structure restoration, oral history gathering, and analysis and curation of artifacts. The FS professional staff of archaeologists and historians will be your hosts, guides, and co-workers.

USA Freedom Corps – view listings
Find existing volunteer service opportunities in their area. This search-friendly database includes over 4 million volunteer opportunities from organizations across the country. Forestry, first aid, and much more. I have the best luck by putting campsite as the search term. BLM, Forestry, FEMA, etc.

Businesses looking for employees submit ads to these sites. You will find the ads to be varied. Some might be host camper positions while others might be working with the circus as a teacher.

Workamping Jobs – more info
THE CARETAKER GAZETTE is a unique newsletter containing property caretaking and house sitting jobs, advice, and information for property caretakers, housesitters, and landowners. Published since 1983, it’s the only publication in the world dedicated to the property caretaking field. A $29.95/year subscription fee is charged in order to see listings.

Coolworks – view listings
Cool Works is about you finding a seasonal job or career in some of the greatest places on Earth. Get a summer job in Yellowstone, Yosemite, or another national park. Find a summer job as a camp counselor. Ski resorts, ranches, theme parks, tour companies and more are waiting for you.

Workamper News – contact
Started in 1986, it is the most used commercial workamping service. Print and electronic bi-monthly magazine. Access to new job openings daily. They have a forum and will email you new listings.

Workers On Wheels – view listings
Work for RVers and Campers is the Workers On Wheels website for RV workers and campground workers, with job and RV home business info, including paid employment and volunteer workamper positions.

FreelancingWhether you are a writer, a web developer, a software engineer, a photographer, or possess a number of other skills, you can find a way to make money freelancing. The sites below connect you to people who want to pay you to sit in the comfort of your motorhome and do what you do best.

iFreelance.com – Get access to 1000’s of buyers in need of your professional services. Advertise to buyers, bid on projects, and earn money doing what you love to do. Commission-Free!Associated Content – $1.50 per 1 000 views.Helium – pays per click as well as giving you upfront payments per article depending on your rating there.Triond – pay per 1000 clicks.Freelance Writing Gigs.com – Employers place their needs here.

Affiliate Programs
Make money connecting people to the sites they want to go.

Ebay – The eBay Affiliate Program pays Internet publishers, Web masters, online partners, and eBay sellers to drive new users and sales to eBay. Affiliates promote eBay with banners, text links, and other innovative tools, such as the Editor’s Kit and the Flexible Destination Tool. In return, they receive commissions for driving new, active users as well as winning bids and “Buy It Now” purchases. Currently, the top 25 affiliates in the program average above $100,000 in monthly commissions.

Is it a trip or a change of lifestyle? If it is a trip how do you plan to make the transition back to the 9-5 grind if ever? Do you worry about the future? Do you worry about being homless

How do you manage for money? Do you live off savings or do you work along the way?

I am really intersted in your blog and your plans for the future. I am having another life crisis and I need to do something to change my life.

Cheers

Claire

As for how long the trip will last: forever, I hope. It is definitely a change of lifestyle. From the shedding of all of our accumulated baggage and absurd “needs” to opening up to new people and opportunities, we have changed. Even if the trip was tragically cut short, I have learned new values that I will always keep with me.

At this time, I do not foresee myself returning to the 9-5. I find it very stifling. My career, while profitable, was a drain on my physical and mental health. I cannot imagine returning to a cubicle, ever. I cannot imagine sitting in an office working at least 9hrs a day, sometimes 16, for someone else’s dream. Life is way too short to live that way.

We are still alive. We are sorry about leaving you hanging, but we have been too busy living and having fun to sit down and write about it. We should have some more time on our hands soon. In the last month, we went to Karst-O-Rama, stayed with my folks and made all kinds of

tasty treats, met tons of great people, explored some wild caves, went to Wormfest, been practicing rope climbing and decending, and… well that’s enough for now. Stay tuned; Lots more to come!

So you know that we moved up the street to save some money on rent. Not only is the place cheaper, but its also a bit more spread out and wild, which we love. But, with that wildness comes problems. Bugs. I am not too worried about most bugs. What I cannot handle is roaches. Ugh. Yuck. No way. The campground seems to have a roach problem, and it was becoming ours.
Now, I do try to be an environmentally friendly person. I don’t want to introduce chemicals into my living area or the area around my home. However, I can’t take roaches in the house!

So, earlier this week, we finally did what I would always do before moving in to somewhere new, we sprayed the joint down with Demon Dust WP. My folks say they used to get the stuff from an old family friend who was an exterminator. Thankfully, its available to the public now.

Well, the big day is getting closer. I still don’t have an exact delivery date from Conibear, but we expect the camper sometime in the next week or two. Meanwhile, we’ve got only three weeks left in our apartment.

We’ve canceled cable television and internet service. There’s still way more television being broadcast in the area than we really need. Quite frankly, I wish we watched even less television than we do.

For internet we’re using Sprint’s wireless data service. We have the new Novatel U727 usb modem. One of it’s big selling points is the built-in GPS. Unfortunately, the GPS is pretty lousy. Most of the time, you can’t even get it to lock onto satellites in a vehicle. Perhaps it would work better in the open air, but I rarely walk around with a laptop and actually need a GPS.

At least the internet service works pretty well. It took some fiddling with the EVDO settings and finding a good place to put the router, but we’re getting about 800kbps downstream. There is not currently an external antenna cable available for the U727. Hopefully it will take less trial and error with locations once we can permanently mount an antenna on the outside of the camper.

I’ve been very happy with the EVDO router. Its a Cradlepoint C350. It acts as a wifi hotspot and NATs the IP address that Sprint assigns. The interface is pretty intuitive and packed with a ton of features. The only real problem we’ve run into is trying to get WDS to work properly between this router and the Linksys access point we’ve been using. Since the C350 is wifi only, a fair portion of our network is currently unable to reach the internet. We’re making due with a couple of PCI wifi cards I had laying around from another project and multi-homing our workstations so we can still reach the NAS.

Switching ISPs has forced us to move along with some other things as well. The biggest one so far has been relocating our email and web toys to a domain hosting company. For the past ten years or so, I’ve run all the services for my vanity domain and Jenn has done the same with hers. Its a bit of a change letting someone else deal with all the root level things and rather frustrating when you have an issue that you could solve in five minutes if it were your box but instead have to ask someone else to look into.

We’re using Hostgator as our domain host and so far I’ve been very impressed with their customer service as they dealt with some dumb questions and some more esoteric technical issues.

The other big thing we need to deal with is our phone service. We have VOIP through our company, but we’re planning to switch to Skype. I’m still in the process of researching wifi VOIP phones. I also haven’t been overly impressed with Skype’s website interface or their customer support when we ran into some website problems. Hopefully we can resolve that issue and get set up. In the meantime, we’ll use cell phones for a bit longer.

The last bit of setup this week has been our mail forwarding service. We’re using Good Sam’s mail forwarding service. So far, it’s been a nightmare to get set up and taken far longer than I expected. If you want to use Good Sam mail forwarding service, save yourself a lot of headaches and just call them instead of trying to sign up online.

It’s been a pretty hectic time for us as we try to get all of this sorted out. There’s still a ton of things to do before we get as far as moving into the campground for a few months. As I have more time, I plan to go into a bit more in depth review of the products and services we’re using. In the meantime, if anybody is using a good wifi phone for Skype, let us know about it!